Tribal contact information:

Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever (RMSF)

Click icon to add picture

Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever (RMSF)

RMSF is spread through the bite of a tick that has the germ

RMSF cannot spread person to person

RMSF can be stopped if we work together!

Let’s Kick Ticks to Stop RMSF!

Tick Life Cycle

Feed and Grow Feed and

Grow

HatchFeed, Grow, Lay Eggs

I’m the Brown Dog Tick and I….

live in hot climates need a dog to find a mate feed on dogs in all 3 life

stages feed on humans hide in walls, stucco, cracks,

carpet, and crevices can live outdoors or indoors

(as long as there are dogs) Brown Dog Tick

Actual tick size in palm of hand

Your Dog and RMSF

You can't get RMSF from your dog - only from TICKS RMSF can make dogs sick

as well! RMSF ticks like to feed on

dogs Free-roaming dogs can

spread ticks into nearby homes and yards New puppies attract more

ticks

Prevention Begins with YOU!

USE Insect Repellent (DEET) to keep ticks

from biting

SPRAY pesticides in your yard ALL summer

TREAT your dogs for ticks using tick-killing COLLARs, shampoos, and medicines

REMOVE old furniture, mattresses and trash

from the yardCHECK yourself, your children and your dogs

every day

Scalp

Behind the ears

Groin

Back of Knee

Back of Neck

How can you help your dog? Remember to SPAY and NEUTER!

One unneutered male dog

+ One unspayed female dog

1 year = 16 dogs2 years = 128 dogs 3 years = 512 dogs

4 years = 2,408 dogs 5 years = 12,288 dogs

6 years = 67,000 dogs

• Helps dogs live longer, healthier life• Prevents dogs from getting sick from

some diseases

• Reduces dangers of multiple pregnancies

• Reduces risk of roaming

Reasons to Spay or Neuter

Prevent Ticks on Your Dog

Tick collars can protect dogs from ticks Some top-spot treatments and tick powders can also

work Collar all dogs in your yard Follow package directions to decide when the

collars need to be changed Check your dogs for ticks regularly

PROTECT YOUR DOG!

Ticks on Dogs

Where to look:

Inside the ears

Between the toes

In the armpits

On the belly

Yard Treatments

Treating your yard once a year is NOT enough Yards need regular treatments

in summer months Killing ticks in your yard

means: Fewer ticks to bite dogs Fewer ticks to bite humans

You can buy your own safe products Handouts available about

locally-available tick control products

M a y J u n e

J u l y A u g u s t

Four times a Summer!

Liquid GranulesPros Cons Pros Cons

Instantly active You may have to mix

No mixing Must wet to use

Can treat vertical surfaces

Heavy (water) Lighter (no water)

Can’t treat vertical surfaces

Some products may be able to use indoors (read carefully)

Best for vegetative soil

No indoor use

Can be used on any surface and is safe once it is dry

Can be affected by weather (Wind, rain, etc.)

If you’re going to purchase and apply your own pesticides, be sure to follow the directions and read the

safety information carefully.Important Tips:• Buy ready-to-spray products • Read safety information on the

label before applying pesticide

• Follow the directions on the product

• Be aware of where you put product

• Do not let kids play with products

Spray Here

Spray Here

Spray Here

STEPS TO REMOVE A TICK

1. Use tweezers to grasp the tick as close to the skin as possible.

3. Make sure all of the tick was removed from the skin. If any parts remained, remove them.

4. Wash the bite with soap and water, or disinfect the area with rubbing alcohol.

Important: If you have a tick bite and get fever and headache 2-14 days afterwards, go see your doctor as soon as possible!

2. Gently pull the tick straight upwards, using steady and even pressure

Options: Put it in alcohol Put it in a sealed bag or container Wrap it tightly in tape Flush it down the toilet

DON’T crush a tick with your fingers

How to dispose of a live tick

It can be hard to know when people have RMSF. They might have:

Fever or chillsHeadacheBody achesNausea or vomiting Lack of appetiteRash

If you have a

fever for 2 or more

days, go to a

doctor!

What does RMSF illness look like?

What happens if the doctor suspects RMSF?

You will get a medicine called doxycycline It’s important to take ALL of the medicine, even

after you feel better

They will take a blood sample from you to test for RMSF

You will need to return in 2-4 weeks to have a second blood sample to complete the RMSF test

Let’s Protect Our Community

Work with your neighbor to keep your yards clean

Collar all dogs in your yard

Check yourself and kids for ticks

Share your stories about RMSF with

friends and family